Karachi(The COW News Digital)Sugar prices across Pakistan have witnessed a sharp rise, with Karachi recording the highest rates in the country, according to the latest data released by the Federal Bureau of Statistics. In just one week, the price of sugar in Karachi increased by Rs 20 per kilogram, pushing it to Rs 220, making it the most expensive city for sugar purchases nationwide.
The report highlighted that Hyderabad also saw a significant surge, with sugar prices rising by Rs 15 per kilogram to reach Rs 215. In Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, prices increased by Rs 2, bringing the rate to Rs 216 per kilogram. Other cities reported varying increases, including Khuzdar at Rs 210 per kg, Larkana at Rs 205, Islamabad and several Punjab cities at Rs 190, Peshawar at Rs 190, and Sukkur at Rs 195 per kilogram.
Overall, the average sugar price nationwide rose by 37 paisa per kilogram over the past week, reaching Rs 189.98. This is a noticeable increase compared to the previous week, when the national average was Rs 189.61 per kilogram. Over the past year, the price hike has been even more dramatic, with the average price in the same period last year standing at just Rs 131.85 per kilogram.
Experts attribute the sudden surge in sugar prices to a combination of supply shortages, rising production costs, and increasing demand. Economists warn that the rising cost of essential commodities like sugar is putting additional pressure on households and contributing to the overall inflationary trend in the country.
Consumers in Karachi and other major cities have expressed concern over the steep price increases, noting that sugar is a staple in daily diets and its rising cost is exacerbating financial strain. Traders and retailers have reported increased demand as customers stockpile supplies in anticipation of further price hikes.
The Federal Bureau of Statistics has urged authorities to monitor the situation closely and ensure that supply chain disruptions do not further worsen the impact on consumers. Meanwhile, citizens are calling for government intervention to stabilize prices and provide relief from the ongoing inflationary pressures affecting essential goods.
The recent surge in sugar prices reflects broader challenges in Pakistan’s economy, emphasizing the need for careful management of essential commodity markets to prevent further strain on consumers’ livelihoods.
